Gulf states load up - Americans run very successful public relations campaign against Teheran

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C02%5C12%5Cstory_12-2-2007_pg7_1

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Leaders of Sunni Arab states are embarking on a military spending spree in an attempt to contain the growing threat from Iran, according to a report in the Sunday Telgraph.

“Alarmed by the progress of Iran’s nuclear programme and the prospect of a military clash between its Shia regime and the United States, Gulf leaders intend to use billions of dollars of oil revenue to purchase a huge array of military hardware,” writes Gethin Chamberlain in the British newspaper.

“Defence ministers from Sunni Arab states are preparing to spend enormous sums at the Idex arms fair in Abu Dhabi next week Many of the deals will be finalised at a massive arms fair due to open in the United Arab Emirates next Sunday,” Chamberlain writes.

Saudi Arabia alone has a shopping list that runs to almost $50 billion, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, attack helicopters and more than 300 new tanks.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has earmarked $2 billion for a rapid reaction brigade - possibly to take a lead role in a regional protection force. Another $6 billion will go on missile defence batteries, airborne early warning systems and aircraft.

Both countries are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, established in 1984 to provide security against the threat posed by Iran. Other members, including Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, are expected to spend heavily in the coming months.

“Gulf leaders have watched with growing alarm as Iran’s Shia theocracy has flexed its military muscles: filling the post-war power vacuum in Iraq, exerting influence in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon and refusing to back down over its nuclear programme. Many are now convinced that the only way to avoid being sucked into a war between the US and Iran, or being caught up in the turbulence that would follow, is to beef up their own defences,” says the report.

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American plans for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear sites are reported to be well advanced, despite public denials, and many in the Gulf states fear that they could be caught in the backlash. One highly placed Saudi diplomatic source said that there were concerns about America’s intentions and doubts about the real threat from Iran.

“There are some people who are wary about Iran but the Americans are running a very successful public relations campaign against Teheran. A lot of Saudis fear that the US will come and make mischief then go away, but we have to live here afterwards.”